Muneer's House

This split-level, wood-frame craftsman house, with retail space on the ground floor and a residential flat on the upper level was built in 1918. It serves as a prototype for the mixed-use buildings that once lined Lisbon Avenue. This house has a long history. Many residents have lived and made a living in this building, all leaving it slightly changed and imposing their identity on the space.

​House History Timeline1918- Permit to build Wood frame houseArchitect: W.P. KennedyMason: Krueger Construction & Cement Co.Carpenter: J. KennedyThe structure was built to be a mixed-use building, but has a very unique layout that suggests a strong connection between the living and working spaces. There are two distinct entrances on the front face of the building, but the rear exit is shared via a staircase into the retail space.

1920- Joseph J Schaefer, jeweler: owner/occupantLisbon Avenue had grown into a commercial street with many mixed-use buildings with stores or shops on the lower lever and flats above. This allowed artisans and professionals, such as jewelers, doctors, butchers, cobblers, and candle makers to settle in this area. It may have been this fact that drew the Schaefer family to move here from the nearby 2405 Vine St. location. This family resided in this house till 1965.

[Additionally, this building may have been the headquarters for the American Indian Movement during the 1960's in Milwaukee.]

The current owner has updated the house with his own personal touches, including a tile backsplash in the residential flat. His presence is really felt in the lower level ceramics studio, where he works on his own projects and holds community workshops.